Bound in the Shadows / TVD N.M

🦋~° 18 °~🦋

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Liora

As the first light of dawn broke through the horizon, the shadows of Mystic Falls slowly retreated, and the night began its transition into day. The sky was tinged with soft shades of pink and orange, but the calm exterior of the town was deceptive—chaos still brewed beneath the surface.

Niklaus and I stood silently outside the hospital, the morning stillness only interrupted by the faint hum of the world waking up. One of Klaus's loyal minions was inside, ensuring that Elena's doppelgänger blood was drawn—just enough to keep her alive, but sufficient to help Klaus in his twisted goal of building an army of hybrids. He stood leaning against the jeep, arms crossed, his eyes distant but calculating. The tension in the air was palpable, though Klaus remained outwardly calm.

Rebekah had spoken with Klaus after Tyler's successful transformation into a hybrid. She'd decided to stay behind in Mystic Falls, choosing to keep an eye on Stefan and help him "get back on the right path." There was a soft sadness in her voice when she spoke of Stefan, a lingering affection she couldn't quite shake, despite all that had happened. Klaus had simply nodded, seemingly indifferent to her decision, though I could sense the wheels turning in his mind. He always had a plan.

I, meanwhile, had curled up on the backseat of the jeep, my body relaxed, my head resting on my paws. Niklaus's hand gently traced patterns through my fur, the repetitive motion calming me in a way I hadn't felt in a long time. His touch was firm yet gentle, and I closed my eyes, savoring the momentary peace. It was one of those rare instances where everything felt right, even amidst the chaos surrounding us.

Then, inevitably, that peace was shattered.

I sensed him before I saw him. Damon Salvatore's presence was like a storm rolling in—dark, angry, and unpredictable. He approached with a fierce determination, his steps purposeful, his energy radiating rage. When he finally appeared, his face was set in a scowl, eyes burning with fury. He was a man on a mission, and I could tell that nothing good would come from this.

"Where is Elena?" Damon demanded, his voice low but dangerous, like a growl that barely contained the venom underneath.

Niklaus didn't even bother to glance at him. His hand continued moving through my fur as though Damon's appearance was nothing more than a minor inconvenience. Finally, after a long pause, he responded, his tone dripping with casual amusement. "Elena? Oh, she's just inside. Donating some blood... for the greater cause."

Damon's fists clenched at his sides, his temper barely restrained. "You've got about five seconds before I make this very unpleasant for you, Klaus," he warned, his voice sharp, every syllable edged with fury.

Still, Niklaus barely moved, though I could feel the shift in the air. The name that was on Damon's lips, I knew, would cut deeper than any threat Damon could make. And when it came, it sliced through the tension like a blade.

"Mikael."

Niklaus froze. His hand stilled against my fur, his entire body stiffening at the sound of his father's name. His calm facade shattered in an instant, replaced by a cold fury that darkened his expression. Mikael—the man who was supposed to be a father, the one who should have protected him, cared for him—had instead been the one to destroy him, body and soul. Abuse, cruelty, and betrayal were the legacy Mikael had left behind.

Niklaus's eyes locked onto Damon, and in a heartbeat, he moved. Faster than I could track, he slammed Damon against the side of the jeep, his hand wrapping around Damon's throat in a vicious chokehold. Damon gasped for breath, his hands clawing at Nik's wrist, but Niklaus was unrelenting, his face a mask of pure rage.